For many seniors, the act of caring for a loved one is exhausting, both mentally and physically.

Whether it’s a spouse or partner you live with, a friend or family member, or just someone who needs daily care, you might find yourself feeling stress, guilt, anxiety, and physical pain after a long day of ensuring their needs are met. This is why it’s important to make your own needs a priority as well, and there are plenty of easy ways for you to practice self-care every single day.

It’s also important to think about your future. As a senior, you may have healthcare needs that require costly insurance, or you may be concerned about making sure your finances are in a good place when it comes to your post-retirement years. Thinking about these things now can help reduce your stress in the present and over the long haul.

Read on for tips on how to care for yourself when you’re taking care of someone else.

Fit In a Workout

Daily exercise is important for everyone, but for those who work physically demanding jobs, it’s critical because it can help you build up your body to protect against strain and injury. Exercise can also be great for your mental health, and can ease the symptoms associated with stress, depression, and other mood disorders. Wake up a few minutes earlier so you can fit in a walk or a yoga class, or play with the dog in the backyard after dinner. The more activity you can fit in during a day, the better you’ll feel and the more energy you’ll have. If you find it motivating, start tracking your activity on a fitness tracker or smartphone; then, set small, achievable goals to keep activity on the forefront of your mind.

Practicing yoga has many benefits including improved cardiovascular health, protection from injury, and increased strength and flexibility. Inverness Yoga Studio offers a wide range of yoga classes to suit your needs and experience level.

Think About Your Mattress

When was the last time you replaced your mattress? If it’s been several years, or if your mattress just isn’t giving you the right amount of support anymore, it’s time to buy a new one. As a caregiver, it’s important that you get enough sleep to help you stay healthy and focused, not just for yourself but also for your loved one. When researching new mattresses, take into account your weight and your preferred way to sleep (back, stomach, side or combo).

Tell Stress to Take a Hike

Taking care of someone can be a full-time job even when you’re not getting paid, and trying to fit in all the things you have to get done in a day can be stressful. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and put everything on hold for a few minutes. Step outside and get some fresh air, go for a walk or a hike, and tune out the things that are giving you stress and anxiety. You can also spend time with a pet; studies have shown that dogs are wonderful at helping us calm down and relax, even lowering our blood pressure and boosting our mood.

Do Something Nice for Yourself

When you spend all your time taking care of someone, it’s imperative that you learn to do something for yourself every day. Even if it’s only practicing yoga for half an hour or reading a good book, finding something you enjoy will not only help you feel better, but it will also help raise your self-esteem and keep you motivated, especially if it’s a mindful pursuit. Keep in mind that you don’t have to spend money on this activity, and it doesn’t have to take up a big chunk of your time, which could only lead to more stress or guilt that you should be doing something else. Think of it as a way to ensure that you’re the best version of yourself that you can be.

Consider Downsizing

If keeping up with a larger home while caring for your loved one is no longer sustainable, it may be time for a downsize. Not only will a smaller home require less maintenance, but if you can find a home that has accessibility features, this can ease your caregiving responsibilities. You can use a mortgage calculator to work through how much you can afford to spend on a new home that fits your needs.

Taking care of your own needs is not a selfish act, especially when you have someone depending on you. It’s important to make sure you’re in good shape; otherwise, you won’t be able to give your patient the love and attention they need. With a little planning and some patience, you can ensure that your mind and body are healthy no matter what’s going on in your life.

Dana Brown of Health Conditions | dana@healthconditions.info
Connecting You to the Health Information You Need Most.